Learn how to use Google. Whatever questions you have about podcasting, the answers are out there somewhere.
What is your job?
I run my own website, Director's Notes.
What does your job involve?
I’ve always done lots of jobs simultaneously. I’ve morphed from a film maker into a podcaster/creative director /Final Cut Pro teacher, and hopefully will come full circle back to film-making.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I moved to Brighton and spent time trying to get into the film world by running on a few shorts and sending out lots of cvs. I was eventually offered a job as Creative Production Manager in corporate video for a company called AVT. The I was taken on as a Researcher – progressing to Assistant Producer - at Rave Media, part of Ravensbourne College. In the meantime, I started writing for a Hove-based film magazine called Showreel, and took over a section called Directors’ Notes.
In mid-2006 I set up my own web site - www.directorsnotes.com - a blog and weekly interview and video podcast dedicated to independent filmmaking in all its wondrous forms, lengths and styles.
What training did you do and where?
I studied Psychology at Luton University, and was meant to be saving for a Masters in Criminal Psychology, but decided to do an introductory film-making evening course at Hendon College, after being drafted in to help a friend out on a short film. This inspired me to go back to Luton University to do a second degree in Media Production with Video Production.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
It has to be the Directors Notes, because it’s completely and utterly all mine. I had to figure out all the skills required for podcasting, from building a web site / blog to setting up an audio studio at home. All the films featured in the 78 episodes so far are there because I genuinely believe the directors are some of the most talented people around.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
You have to podcast your passion. Very few podcasters earn money from their shows, so you have to enjoy doing it. Also, be consistent. If you say you’re going to podcast once a week or once a month, make sure you stick to that.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
Steve Eley, who produces the Escape Pod and Pseudopod podcasts, is amazing the way he takes time to help others, answer questions and explain things. Leo Laporte of the TWIT network of podcasts is another guru in the podcast world.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
I was listening to a lot of podcasts and wanted an excuse to spend all my time looking for good films!
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
My mum was outraged at the idea of me going back to university to do the Media Production course. But when I think of what I’d like my sons to do when they grow up, I’d be disappointed if they didn’t want to do something creative.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
Learn how to use Google. Whatever questions you have about podcasting, the answers are out there somewhere.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.
Creative inspirations
My friend Jayne Malcolm
When I was 13, I had a crush on my friend Jayne, this mysterious girl who introduced me to all kinds of music, films and art. Thanks to her, I first heard Kate Bush and Faith No More, watched John Hughes’ movies, and went to indie / rock pubs and clubs in Bradford.
Blagging
My life changed when I discovered how to get free stuff. Because I produce Directors Notes, I got a press pass to the London Film Festival and spent two weeks watching films and talking to directors. My best friend gets us free gig tickets through his music promotions job and I also get into Reading Festival free by finding shorts for the cinema tent.
Brent Green / Nervous Films
Brent is a completely self-taught animator who produces films like ‘Hadacol Christmas’ where Santa Claus invents Christmas with a belly full of cough syrup. I love it when people are self-taught and figure out their own way and style.
Optic Nerve
I’m a big fan of comics, but a favourite is the Optic Nerve series by Adrian Tomine. The subject matter is everyday life, and reading them is like watching little independent films.
Vienna - newsreader
This newsreader software gathers together all my favourite blogs and web sites so I can browse over the latest news while I’m having coffee in the morning. It gives me a ton of information and inspiration.
The Liars
I love this band. Their first record captured the alt indie sound of the moment, but their second album was a weird dark concept album about witches. I like the way they didn’t capitalise on their success, but took off in a whole new direction.
Harmony Korine
After writing ‘Kids’, Korine must have had offers to do commercial stuff. But he just kept to his own rules. No one in their right mind would make ‘Gummo’ if they were chasing Hollywood money and fame.
Shoes
After years of wearing trainers, I’ve recently discovered the joy of shoes. I bought a pair of boots for my 30th in New York, with chiselled toes and faux snakeskin on the front. I’m still breaking them in.
My new lens
I enjoy messing around with photography and bought a new 18-200mm lens for my Nikon D80 digital SLR a few months back. It’s great for close ups and distance shots, so I can use it for gigs and parties.
Quicksilver software
I couldn’t function without this Mac software. It saves me at least an hour a day. At its most basic, it’s a launcher that learns my preferences and gives me quick keyboard access to a load of commands and actions.